Insulating Your Home From the Inside Out
Our team answers homeowner questions every weekend on WCCO 830 AM from 9:00 am-10:00 am. Have your most pressing home improvement questions addressed by calling or texting 651-461-9226. Here’s the must-know information our COO, Andy Lindus, shared on 2.8.20.
Use Insultex™ House Wrap® To Better Insulate Siding
For homeowners considering a vinyl siding installation, it’s important to understand that there can be dramatic variances in quality between manufacturers. While some vinyl siding comes with a foam backing, to increase R-Value, its payoff is rarely worth the cost. A more viable alternative is the use of Insultex™ House Wrap®. This wrap is an R-6 and is the most efficient and cost-effective way to add house insulation to the exterior of a home. When Insultex™ is installed and seamed properly, air infiltration is no longer problematic, particularly on the corners of a house, which are most vulnerable. It’s worth noting that for a slightly higher investment, LP® SmartSide® and steel siding can offer better aesthetics and longer rates of satisfaction. It’s worth noting that steel siding is prone to expansion and contraction as the seasons change, causing intermittent popping noises. This is since the nailing fin has an elongated opening that’s between a quarter and half inch long. Manufacturers stipulate that the siding is nailed snug, but not tight in the center of the slot. This allows the house siding to move and expand.
See a LP® SmartSide® Installation Completed by Our Craftsmen:
Improve Home Insulation To Combat Ice Dam Prevention
For those that lived in their homes for a number of years, experiencing ice dams for the first time can create a source of stress. Working with a reputable insulation contractor that utilizes diagnostic tools to complete a home energy audit and performance testing will ensure that the root cause is identified and remedied. You may find you need to improve your house insulation though there are many reasons an ice dam can form, such as a clogged roof vent or soffit vents. Bath fans that vent to the attic, rather than outdoors can also create an environment for ice dams. Homeowners with fiberglass insulation should also be aware that it can settle over time, reducing the insulation’s R-Value.
Address Insulation Replacement With A Contractor Who Understands The Structure Of Your Home
Quality home insulation contractors understand that a home’s architectural style is a key determinant to the strategy they utilize to create an energy efficient space. Hip roofs have low pitches, making them prone to ice dams. In this architectural configuration, the best method to create a roof absent of ice dams is with insulation replacement. After removing old insulation, apply an inch and a half of spray foam on all areas of the attic except for the eaves. In that area, five and half inches of should be used in order to achieve optimum R-Value. The rest of the attic has enough height for blown-in insulation.
